bresnan



(No Model.) 2-Sheets--Sheet 1.

P. J. BRESNAN. PORTABLE TABLE.

No. 445,159. Patented Jan. 27, 1-891.

' ATTORNEY (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2, P. J. BRESNAN.

PORTABLE TABLE. No. 445,159. Patented Jan. 27, 1891.

1 INVENTUB ma Norms PEYERS 00., mom-mac WASHINGTON, 01 c1 W lTN E88 ES:

STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PETER J. BRESNAN, OF NE\V YORK, N. Y.

PORTABLE TABLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,159, dated January27, 1891.

Application filed May 10, 1890. Serial No. 361,848. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, PETER J. BRESNAN, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of the city, county, and State of New York, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Portable Tables, of which thefollowing is a specification.

My invention relates to a portable table and straight-edge, such as areused by paper-hangers; and the object of my invention is to make a tableand straight-edge in such a manner that they may be easily carried fromplace to place, and while so carried occupy a small space.

In the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate my invention, similarletters of reference indicate like parts.

Figure l is a longitudinal elevation of my improved table. Fig. 2 is aplan view of the under side of the top of the table. Fig. 3 is an endview of the table. Fig. t is a view showing the top of the table removedfrom the supports and closed upon itself and in a condition to be rolledlongitudinally in a smaller compass. Figs. 5 and G are plan views of thestretchers which are used between the side pieces of the top of thetable. Fig. 7 is a section through the joint of the side rails of thetop of the table. Figs. 8 and 0, respectively, show the method oflocking the supports for the top of the table. Fig. 10 is a longitudinalsection through one of the side rails of the top of the table, and showsthe position of a small pin to keep the top rails when closed fromsliding on themselves.

The invention consists in the peculiar construction, arrangement, an dcombinations of parts hereinafter more particularly described, and thendefinitely claimed.

A A represent the top of the table com posed of the side rails A A, and13 a center rail. These side rails and center rail are divided at abouttheir center a, and provided with the hinged joint C, made substantiallyas shown in Fig. 7. The rails A A and B are arranged to interlock and bestiffened by a tongue-and-groove joint, as shown at D, Fig. 7.Connecting the rails A A and covering the rail B is aportion of canvasor similar material E, which is properly secured to the rails A A and B.This canvas is made longer than the rails to provide the flappieces E,provided with the strap E F and G, Figs. 5 and 6,are stretcher-pieces.The pieces F are inserted between the respective side pieces A A andover the center piece 13, the ends fof the side piece F entering intorecesses provided in pieces A A, and the end of rail B entering into therecess f of the stretcher F. The stretcher G is made, as shown in Fig.6, so that the ends g slip over and under the side rails A.

II represents cross-legs pivoted at h and provided at their upper endswith tongues h, which enter into slots (0' provided in castings locatedon the under side of the rails A A, substantially as shown in Fig. 9.Three of such cross-legs are shown; but a greater number may be used, ifdesired. Between the cross'legs are the X stretcher-pieces I pivoted at2', and having their ends so arranged as to take into the orifices 7L2of the cross-legs H, substantially as shown in Fig. 8.

At Fig. 10 is shown a small pin J arranged in one of the side pieces AA, which takes into a casting on the opposite side piece .1.

In erecting my table I first stretch out the top portion; then introducethe stretchers F and G; then buckle the flaps E over the stretchers F;then introduce the hooks H of the cross-legs II in the orifices of theside pieces A; then put in the X stretcher-pieces I between thecross-legs, and finally stretch the wire-fasteners P so that their endsare introduced in the eyes Q, which effectually secures the standingframe-work.

To take down my improved table 1 reverse the course of operationdescribed and lay all. the parts in the top piece when it occupies theposition shown in Fig. l. The whole is then rolled up together andsecured by a strap R, provided with the handle S.

It will be seen that by this construction a very light, yetcomparatively stiff table will be provided, for the stretchers keep theside bars of the table spread open and thus stretch the intermediatecanvas, which is further strained by the drawing of the straps throughthe buckles, and. thus there is but little, if any, tendency of thecloth to droop in the center.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- 1. The combination, in atable, of the side rails- A, intermediate canvas E attached thereto, andcenter bar B, with the stretchers F G, said stretcher F fitting into theends of the rails A and receiving the rail B, and the stretcher G havingslotted ends g embracing the side rails, substantially as described.

2. The combination, in a table, of the side rails A, intermediate canvasE attached thereto, and center bar B, wih the stretchers F Gto keep thecanvas stretched transversely, and the flaps E, straps E, and buckle Eto keep the cloth stretched longitudinally, substantially as described.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of May,1890.

PETER J. BRESNAN.

In presence of F. BUDD, GEO. H. BENJAMIN.

